Her answer to the clichéd rustic ceremony and celebration is The Eclectic Wedding Showcase, which will take over Mile High Station this Tuesday, October 1. Inviting both offbeat and traditional-style folks to peruse the wedding pop-up shops, the showcase is a mix of live music and performance, a fashion show, lots of wedding-related vendors and a few added surprises.
See also: Slideshows: Drag Nation, Pop Art edition
"I have a concert production background," says Gray. "So I looked to those contacts and my wedding-industry contacts and with my wedding team behind me, I threw these elements together and went with the idea of creating vignettes."The vignettes within the Eclectic Wedding Showcase will show off themes -- like comic books and super heroes -- as interactive exhibits put together by teams of pros. Guests are invited to sit down inside these miniature events, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks and take in the sights and sounds of what their own event could be like. The non-traditional expo is also a chance to connect with florists, dress designers, cake-makers, body painters and other services.
"You would never see this at a regular bridal show -- those are just rows and rows of pipe and drape cubicles. This is a chance for people to have fun and break out of the norm," explains Gray. "I just love the idea of doing vignettes to show people what can be done -- there are so many creative people in Denver and they don't always get a chance to show off. That is what this is event about. I wanted them to do something out of the norm and challenge themselves."
A VIP pre-party at 5 p.m. outside the venue will start the night off with live music by L.A.-based band Ready Never, and the doors will officially open at 6 p.m. After that, guests can enjoy a live DJ and snacks and beverages while taking in each vignette. A fashion show will go on later in the night, featuring wedding wear and other fancy attire -- without a white wedding dress in sight, Gray promises. Drag star Ginger Douglas will top off the evening's live performances.
Guests will receive a goodie bag packed with what Gray promises to be "more than just business cards," and all will have a chance at winning some nice giveaways, including a hotel and dinner wedding package.
The Eclectic Wedding Showcase is this Tuesday, October 1 at Mile High Station. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event's website.
Follow @WestwordCulture